2012 Hyundai Elantra
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 675 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 26 Elantra model years with reports.
Of the 2012 reports, 49 involved a crash and 12 involved a fire. 47 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideSep 22, 2023
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Elantra, Genesis Coupe, Sonata Hybrid, 2012-2015 Accent, Azera, Veloster, 2013-2015 Elantra Coupe, Santa Fe, 2014-2015 Equus, 2010-2012 Veracruz, 2010-2013 Tucson, 2015 Tucson Fuel Cell, and 2013 Santa Fe Sport vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) module may leak brake fluid internally and cause an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the ABS fuse, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024 through October 11, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 251.
Campaign 23V651000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, electricalJul 2, 2020
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2011-2012 Hyundai Elantra and Sonata Hybrid, 2012 Accent and Veloster vehicles. The 12V accessory socket outlet may have been over-tightened during installation, possibly disabling the thermal fuse and allowing the outlet to overheat with prolonged use, such as by using the Tire Mobility Kit air compressor to inflate a tire.
An overheated accessory outlet increases the risk of fire.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Tire Mobility Kit accessory outlet plug with a direct-to-battery connection wire harness kit, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 193.
Campaign 20V393000 on NHTSA.gov
Electronic stability control (ESC)Dec 23, 2015
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Elantra vehicles manufactured October 29, 2010, to October 25, 2011. Due to an electronic stability control (ESC) sensor malfunction, the brakes for one or more wheels may be applied unexpectedly and the engine power may be reduced. These symptoms will be accompanied by illumination of the ESC indicator lamp in the instrument cluster.
If the one or more of the brakes are inappropriately applied, control of the vehicle may be lost, increasing the risk of a crash.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will verify the proper operation of the ESC sensors, and update the ESC system's calibration, free of charge. The recall began June 6, 2016. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's number for this recall is 137.
Campaign 15V871000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/windowApr 1, 2013
Hyundai Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Elantra vehicles manufactured from November 12, 2010, through March 5, 2013. A support bracket attached to the headliner may become displaced during a side curtain airbag deployment.
If the headliner support bracket makes contact with an occupant during a crash, it may cause a laceration injury.
Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will apply adhesive strips to the headliner, free of charge. The safety recall began during April 2013. Owners may contact Hyundai at 1-800-633-5151. Hyundai's recall campaign number is 109.
Campaign 13V115000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
675 reports, newest first.
Steering, Aug 6, 2020
WHEN COMING TO A STOP A PULSATING MOTION, SIMILAR TO A WARPED BRAKE ROTOR, WAS FELT. THE STEERING FLEX COUPLER PARTIALLY DISINTEGRATED CAUSING APPROX. 1/4 TURN SLACK IN STEERING WHEEL. COUPLER WAS REPLACED ON 8/5/2020. I DID NOT SUFFER ANY DAMAGE,BUT I ABSOLUTELY BELIEVE THAT THIS DESIGN IS FAR MORE DANGEROUS THAN THE TOYOTA AIR BAG DESIGN.
Steering, Air bags, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 29, 2020
SINCE THE DAY I PURCHASED THIS CAR WITH ZERO MILES IT WOULD RANDOMLY CUT OFF AND IT WOULD DO THAT EVEN WHEN IN DRIVE LIKE IT WASNT GETTING GAS. IT WOULD NOT TURN OVER THEN AFTER 20-30 MIN IT WOULD START RIGHT BACK UP AND THIS STARTED RIGHT AWAY AND HAS DONE THAT EVER SINCE. I ALSO HAD THE O2 CENSOR REPLACED AS WELL. THE TIRES ARE AWFUL THE SUSPENSION IS EVEN WORSE THEN MY AIR BAG LIGHT CUT ON OUT OF NOWHERE AND NOW MY STEERING COLUMN IS TOTALLY MESSED UP. DIRECTLY BEHIND THE AIRBAG. IT CLACKS BACK N FORTH AS YOU MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL EVEN EVER SO SLIGHTLY. IF I HIT MY BRAKES THE WHEEL SHAKES AND THE COLUMN RATTLES AND CLACKS, IF I GO OVER BUMPS IN THE ROAD OR RR TRACKS SAME THING, THE ENTIRE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES VIOLENTLY AND RATTLES AND CLANKS. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY THREE DIFFERENT SHOPS THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS CAR AND DESIGN. THE STEERING COLUMN WAS POORLY DESIGNED AND IS GOING TO BREAK IF I DONT HAVE IT REPLACED. THE COST TO HAVE THIS DONE IS ALMOST $1000 AND IT SHOULDNT BE AN ISSUE I HAVE TO PAY FOR BC OF THE POOR DESIGN. THERE HAS BEEN NOTHING DONE TO THE CAR ON MY END TO CAUSE THIS AND I NEED HELP ASAP BC ITS MY ONLY CAR AND I DO NOT HAVE $1000 TO PAY TO FIX A BAD STEERING COLUMN THAT SHOULDNT BE BREAKING TO BEGIN WITH!
Air bags, Jul 21, 2020, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS FRIEND WAS DRIVING ABOUT 45 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN THE STOP LIGHT AND CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO A TREE IN AN OPEN FIELD OF FRUIT TREES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATORS. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES, INCLUDING WHIPLASH, BRUISES AND LOWER BACK PAINS THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND WAS TOWED AWAY. THE DEALER WAS NOT CALLED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE FAILURE WOULD BE INVESTIGATED IF THE CONTACT PROVIDED NECESSARY INFORMATION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 246,000. *DT *TR
Air bags, Jul 16, 2020
INTERMITTENT AIRBAG LIGHT ON.
Air bags, Jul 15, 2020
UPON EXTENSIVE RESEARCH AND COLLECTED COMPLAINTS, I HAVE DISCOVERED A DEFECT IN THE 2012 HYUNDAI ELEANTRA AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT. IT WILL NOT PROVIDE A CODE ON ODM READER TO IDENTIFY THE SPECIFIC CAUSE OF THE AIRBAG LIGHT.
Steering, Jul 14, 2020
SLACK IN THE STEERING WHEEL, WITH VEHICLE RUNNING OR TURNED OFF. MAKES A CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNED EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT.
Steering, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jul 13, 2020
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPENS TO ME. THE EPS LIGHT TURNS ON, THE STEERING WHEEL GETS TIGHT. SO THE POWER STEERING DISCONNECTS FROM THE ENGINE. YOU LITERALLY CAN'T STEER. THIS LAST TIME IT HAPPENED I WAS DRIVING DOWN A GRADE AT NIGHT. IF INCOMING TRAFFIC WOULD OF BEEN COMING I WOULD HAVE CRASHED INTO THEM OR GO DOWN THE CLIFF. THE POWER STEERING WAS REPLACED ONCE BY DEALER ALREADY LESS THAN A YEAR AGO. THIS CAR IS UN SAFE AND I REFUSE TO DRIVE IT ANY MORE. I WAS ABLE TO PUSH IT IN NEUTRAL TO THE SHOULDER ONCE I PUT IT IN PARK THE CAR SHOOK AND IT SHUT DOWN.
Steering, Jul 9, 2020
CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT. THIS HAPPENS WHILE BEING STATIONARY AS WELL AS IN MOTION. THERE IS A MINOR BIT OF PLAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL AS WELL. AFTER RESEARCHING IT APPEARS TO BE THE STEERING WHEEL FLEXIBLE COUPLER. I WILL BE REPLACING IT AND GIVING FEEDBACK ON THE OUTCOME.
Air bags, Engine, Jul 3, 2020
AIR BAG LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED ENGINE HAS A CONTINUAL LOUD TICKING NOISE SUCH AS LIFTERS NOTED APPROPRIATELY 60,000 MILES . VEHICLE IS STILL COVERED BY 10/100,000 WARRANTY YET DEALER DENIES ANY ISSUES WITH THE MOTOR. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE IN CALIFORNIA WITH A PENDING CLASS ACTION LITIGATION, BUT NOT HERE IN NYS
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 30, 2020
THE VEHICLE IS RATTLING IT STALLS OUT OF NO WHERE ITS VERY LOUD IN THE ENGINE. IT STALLS AT STOPS AND SOMETIMES WHILE DRIVING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. THE NOISE IS CONSTANT. *TR
Suspension, Engine, Jun 28, 2020
WHEN I'M DRIVING AND I COME TO A STOP MY CAR WOULD MAKE CLANKING NOISES I TURN MY CAR OFF AND TURN IT BACK ON AND IT WOULD STOP. WHEN IT WAS TIME FOR AN OIL CHANGE I CHANGED MY OIL AND ONE NIGHT I'M DRIVING HOME AND IT MAKES THE CLANKING NOISE AGAIN ALONG WITH A BURNT SMELL I PULL OVER TURN MY CAR OFF TURN BACK ON IT STILL CLANKING AND HAS CLANKED EVER SINCE. I TOWED MY CAR HOME AND HAVEN'T DRIVEN IT AGAIN BECAUSE WHEN INSPECTING IT, WE NOTICED MY OIL LEVEL WAS PERFECT BUT TIMING CHAIN WAS EXTREMELY LOOSE AND METAL SHAVINGS IN MY OIL.
Suspension, Structure, Jun 6, 2020
DRIVING IN A 35 MPH ZONE WHEN I DROVE OVER A SMALL POTHOLE. THE CAR MADE A LONG BANG NOISE, CAR BEGAN TO SWAY SIDE TO SIDE UNCONTROLLABLY. I LEARNED THAT MY COIL SPRINGS WERE SEVERELY DAMAGED AND HAD BENDED MY RIMS OF THE WHEELS INWARDS, AND THUS MY REAR WHEELS BECAME DEFLATED. HAD TO CHANGE THE COIL SPRINGS AND RIMS, BUT I NOTICED THAT 3-4 MONTHS LATER, THE COIL SPRINGS AND SHOCKS ARE DETERIORATING ONCE AGAIN AND CONTINUE TO HAVE THE LOUD BANG NOISES AND CAR DROPS HEAVILY AFTER GOING OVER SPEED BUMPS. ALSO, CAR IS HARD TO KEEP STEADY IN AREAS WHERE THERE IS WIND EVEN IN THE MILDEST FORMS, WHICH IS SCARY WHEN THERE IS HIGH WINDS DURING MY COMMUTE IN THE FALL AND WINTER. CAR WILL BE SWAYING SIDE TO SIDE EVEN WHEN DRIVING WAY BELOW THE SPEED LIMIT (SAY 30 IN A 50 MPH ZONE, OR 40 ON FREEWAY). *TR
Air bags, May 12, 2020, crash
SWERVED TO AVOID HITTING DEER CAR WENT DOWN AN EMBANKMENT GOING APPROXIMATELY 45 MILES PER HOUR PICKED UP SPEED GOING DOWN HIT A CATTLE FENCE A TREE ON PASSENGER SIDE ULTIMATELY SLAMMING HEAD ON INTO TWO TREES BEFORE STOPPING AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY WHEN IT SHOULD. *TR
Suspension, May 1, 2020
BOTH FRONT SHOCKS HAVE BROKEN DURING DRIVING AND PUNCTURED THE INSIDE OF THE FRONT TIRES, CAUSING ME TO DRIVE OFF THE ROAD. THE SHOCKS DID NOT BREAK AT THE SAME TIME (FRONT PASSENGER SNAPPED FIRST AND THE FRONT DRIVER ABOUT 6000 MILES LATER.) THE FRONT PASSENGER BROKE WHEN DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AND THE FRONT DRIVER BROKE WHILE STATIONARY IN MY DRIVEWAY. THIS VEHICLE HAS UNDER 130,000 MILES, BUT HAS BEEN IN MIDWEST WINTERS FOR AT LEAST THE PAST 6 YEARS.
Electrical system, May 1, 2020
DASH DISPLAY OF ODOMETER/MPG/ET CETERA NO LONGER IS READABLE DUE TO DIM OR MISSING DIGITS. THIS WAS REPAIRED UNDER RECALL SEVERAL YEARS AGO BUT HAS RECURRED. I NO LONGER CAN SEE NECESSARY INFORMATION ABOUT THE CAR'S EQUIPMENT OR DRIVABILITY STATUS. THIS OCCURS AT ALL TIMES, DRIVING OR STATIONARY.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Apr 21, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. THE FAILURE PERSISTED FOR APPROXIMATELY TEN DAYS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000.
Tires, Apr 21, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HYUNDAI ELANTRA EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK TIRES, TIRE LINE: WINTER IPIKE, TIRE SIZE: P215/45/17, DOT NUMBER: NOT PROVIDED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER SON WAS DRIVING 20 MPH UP A HILL THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE. THE TIRE BECAME DEFLATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT COIL SPRING FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000. *LN*JB
Air bags, Apr 14, 2020
AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON, BAD CLOCK SPRING. *TR
Steering, Mar 24, 2020
STEERING CLICKS
Suspension, Mar 17, 2020
FRONT COIL SPRING (DRIVERS SIDE) FAILED, RIPPING TIRING OPEN. LUCKILY THIS HAPPENED SOME TIME AFTER I PARKED AT A SUPERMARKET CAUSING NO PERSONAL INJURY. I DID SEE ON-LINE THAT THE 2011 ELANTRA HAD A RECALL FOR SIMILAR PROBLEM
Steering, Electrical system, Air bags, Mar 10, 2020
SO MY CAR ALL OF A SUDDEN STARTED MAKING A STRANGE POPPING NOISE WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. EVERYTIME I WOULD TURN MY STEERING WHEEL AT A CERTAIN ANGLE THE WHEEL WOULD POP. AS I DROVE THE CAR IT WOULD CONTINUE TO MAKE THIS AWFUL NOISE UNTIL ONE DAY IM DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND IT POPPED AND THE STEERING JERKED MY CAR OUT OF THE LANE . DRIVING HOME THE WHEEL WAS RATHER STIFF AND I WORRIED CONSTANTLY ABOUT GETTING IN AN ACCIDENT . MY REASON FOR THE STEERING ISSUE IS I WORRY SOMEONE WILL BE DRIVING THE CAR AND IT JERK THEM INTO A CAR COMING FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD WHICH WILL RESULT IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. SECOND ISSUE IS THE ELECTRONICAL SYSTEM IN GENERAL. EVERYTIME I START MY CAR IT DOESNT START ALL THE WAY AND IT DIES OUT MID DRIVING ., I ENDED UP PULLING OUT OF AN UP HILL PARKING LOT AND NOT BEING ABLE TO STOP THE CAR AT THE STOP SIGN BECAUSE THE CAR DIED OUT AFTER I HAD IT IN DRIVE. I HAD TO PULL UP AND BUMP THE CURB IN ORDER TO STOP THE CAR FROM ROLLING OUT INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC WHILE LEAVING THE PARKING LOT. I AM NOT SURE IF ITS DEALING WITH THE IGNITION IN GENERAL BUT THAT WOULD DEFINATLEY BE A SAFTEY CONCERN. MY OTHER ISSUE IS THE AIRBAG LIGHT WILL NOT GO OFF. AFTER A CERTAIN MILAGE THE LIGHT CAME ON AND I CAN NOT GET ANY MECHANIC TO EVEN ATTEMPT TO FIX IT OVER FEAR OF AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT AND HAVING TO TOTAL THE VEHICLE UPON REPAIR. I AM SERIOUSLY TERRIFIED IF I GET INTO A VEHICLE ACCIDENT THE AIR BAGS WONT GO OFF AT ALL AND IT WILL RESULT IN EITHER A REALLY SEVERE INJURY OR EVEN BE FATAL FROM AIRBAG FAILURE .
Service brakes, Mar 10, 2020
BRAKE LINES GET CORRODED BY THE HOLDING BRACKET SCREWS PROBABLY BECAUSE OF NOT WATER RESISTANT TYPE OF METAL AND START LEAKING.
Steering, Exterior lighting, Air bags, Feb 28, 2020
CLICKING/THUMBING NOISE WHEN YOU TURN STEERING WHEEL EITHER WAY. WAS TOLD STEERING COUPLING ISSUE, COST APPROX. $600 TO REPAIR. IT LOOKS LIKE NUMEROUS PEOPLE HAVE REPORTED. SHOULD BE RECALLED BY NOW, ESPECIALLY SINCE THE DEALERSHIP STATES IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE!! NUMEROUS LIGHTS KEEP GOING OUT, WAS TOLD IT WAS A WIRING ISSUE! AIRBAG LIGHT ON DASH ON.
Air bags, Feb 24, 2020
THE DASHBOARD AIRBAG LIGHT HAS COME ON.
Air bags, Wheels, Feb 13, 2020
THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON MY DASH CAME ON ABOUT A MONTH AGO FOR NO APPARENT REASON AND I HAD MY CAR INSPECTED AND NO CODES WERE SHOWN. THE REASON FOR THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS STILL UNKNOWN AND I WORRY THAT THE AIRBAG WONT DEPLOY IF I GET INTO AN ACCIDENT. I'VE HEARD THIS HAPPENING TO SEVERAL DIFFERENT HYUNDAI ELANTRA OWNERS AND I THINK THERE SHOULD BE A SOLUTION FOR THIS COMMON PROBLEM.